The St. Lawrence offers several options for lovely adventure cruises in the summer months. Canada meets the United States here and the cultures of each country overlap and mingle in Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, which forms a natural boundary between the two. Charming cities, traditional villages, dramatic waterscapes and fascinating wildlife, and there are cruise deals available to suit every taste and pocket.
Kingston – Montreal – Ottawa
A journey from Kingston to Ottawa, for example, offers the opportunity to explore the beautiful Thousand Islands from the water, which many say is the best way to see the archipelago that stretches out from the northeast corner of Lake Ontario. Along the majestic waterways, the traditional heritage of the area is revealed in the waterfront villages and the opportunities for outdoor adventures. Cruise passengers on this route can take a guided tour of the city of Montreal, little townships such as Williamsburg, the Upper Canada Village and Omega Park where many species of Canada’s wildlife enjoy a natural, protected habitat.
The Heart of the Thousand Islands
The Thousand Islands, which gave the name to Thousand Island dressing, are dotted along the shore of the St. Lawrence River for about 50 miles downstream of Kingston. The water channels and passages are fascinating, the islands themselves are said to be the tips of mountains laid bare by glaciers, and at the last count there were 1,793 in all. Defining an island is a precise business, and to qualify the very small, uninhabited rocks must be greater than one square foot in area, protrude above the water all year round and be capable of supporting vegetation in the form of at least one living tree.
Wildlife is in abundance on the uninhabited islands and some cruise deals take in many of the smaller cottage islands, such as those grouped together in the 18 Admiralty Islands at the heart of the watery wonderland, as well as the larger spectacular castles and mansions that have been summer homes for many celebrities over the years.
Onwards to Quebec
Cruising from Kingston to Quebec City reveals many of the charms of the upper St. Lawrence River; passing by Trois Rivières, often used as an overnight adventure travel cruise stop, and Cap de la Madeleine on the portion of the river between Montreal and Quebec. Look out for the Notre Dame du Cap shrine, which is in a beautiful setting of a lake as big as a football field with an island in the middle that is constantly adorned with flowers. Late cruises may catch the ceremony that follows mass at nine o’clock each evening, when a procession by candlelight ends in the formation of a delightful pageant on the little island, illustrating a Christian scene.
Themed Cruises
Travelling the river by steamboat is increasingly popular here, and many choose to cruise on a replica vessel, emulating the elegance and grace of past times. These graceful vessels are designed and furnished to reflect traditional décor and many include ornate brass embellishments. They provide a little touch of history and glamour amidst the serene and pleasant surroundings of St. Lawrence.
The St. Lawrence offers several options for lovely adventure cruises in the summer months. Canada meets the United States here and the cultures of each country overlap and mingle in Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, which forms a natural boundary between the two. Charming cities, traditional villages, dramatic waterscapes and fascinating wildlife, and there are cruise deals available to suit every taste and pocket.
Kingston – Montreal – Ottawa
A journey from Kingston to Ottawa, for example, offers the opportunity to explore the beautiful Thousand Islands from the water, which many say is the best way to see the archipelago that stretches out from the northeast corner of Lake Ontario. Along the majestic waterways, the traditional heritage of the area is revealed in the waterfront villages and the opportunities for outdoor adventures. Cruise passengers on this route can take a guided tour of the city of Montreal, little townships such as Williamsburg, the Upper Canada Village and Omega Park where many species of Canada’s wildlife enjoy a natural, protected habitat.
The Heart of the Thousand Islands
The Thousand Islands, which gave the name to Thousand Island dressing, are dotted along the shore of the St. Lawrence River for about 50 miles downstream of Kingston. The water channels and passages are fascinating, the islands themselves are said to be the tips of mountains laid bare by glaciers, and at the last count there were 1,793 in all. Defining an island is a precise business, and to qualify the very small, uninhabited rocks must be greater than one square foot in area, protrude above the water all year round and be capable of supporting vegetation in the form of at least one living tree.
Wildlife is in abundance on the uninhabited islands and some cruise deals take in many of the smaller cottage islands, such as those grouped together in the 18 Admiralty Islands at the heart of the watery wonderland, as well as the larger spectacular castles and mansions that have been summer homes for many celebrities over the years.
Onwards to Quebec
Cruising from Kingston to Quebec City reveals many of the charms of the upper St. Lawrence River; passing by Trois Rivières, often used as an overnight adventure travel cruise stop, and Cap de la Madeleine on the portion of the river between Montreal and Quebec. Look out for the Notre Dame du Cap shrine, which is in a beautiful setting of a lake as big as a football field with an island in the middle that is constantly adorned with flowers. Late cruises may catch the ceremony that follows mass at nine o’clock each evening, when a procession by candlelight ends in the formation of a delightful pageant on the little island, illustrating a Christian scene.
Themed Cruises
Travelling the river by steamboat is increasingly popular here, and many choose to cruise on a replica vessel, emulating the elegance and grace of past times. These graceful vessels are designed and furnished to reflect traditional décor and many include ornate brass embellishments. They provide a little touch of history and glamour amidst the serene and pleasant surroundings of St. Lawrence.